Bone Grafting for Dental Implants: What to Expect 

Implant dentistry is the gold standard for replacing missing teeth, enhancing the health, function, and appearance of your smile. To be a candidate for dental implants, you need to have adequate bone quality and density in the area to ensure the procedure’s success. If you have bone loss, Dr. Blackmon may recommend a bone graft to rebuild the bone in the area and restore your candidacy for implant dentistry. Contact Guided Smiles Prosthodontics & Implant Center to get started today! 

Why Would You Require a Bone Graft?

If a tooth goes missing or is extracted due to periodontal disease, deep decay, infection, or trauma, the surrounding bone and structures naturally deteriorate and resorb, decreasing in density, width, and height. Other factors that may interfere with the quality and density of the jawbone include untreated periodontal disease, the natural aging process, trauma to the jaw, or development defects. The good news is that bone grafting can rebuild lost bone, allowing you to enjoy the many benefits of implant dentistry. 

Aside from implant placement, a bone graft can be used to support and save a tooth that’s at risk of loss due to advanced periodontal disease. The bone grafting material acts as a scaffold for new bone to grow on, rebuilding the lost structure around the tooth. This helps stabilize the tooth, prevent further bone loss, and potentially save a tooth that would otherwise require extraction. 

What Is Socket Preservation? 

After a tooth is extracted, the alveolar ridge bone starts to disintegrate, recontour, and change shape. Socket preservation is a procedure we typically perform after tooth extraction. It involves placing a bone grafting material into the tooth’s socket to prevent bone loss. Socket preservation can help maintain the integrity, volume, and natural contours of your jawbone, ensuring the comfort and success of future dental implants or dentures. 

What Are the Types of Bone Grafts?

We offer a range of bone grafting materials at Guided Smiles Prosthodontics & Implant Center. Dr. Blackmon will discuss your options and recommend the material ideal for your unique needs. Here is a look at your bone grafting material options:

• Autografts: These grafts are harvested from other areas of your body, such as the chin, jaw, or hip. Autografts have an incredibly high success rate and carry no risk of disease transmission or rejection. However, they require a second surgical site, which can lead to increased discomfort and a longer recovery time. 
• Allografts: Allografts involve the use of bone grafting material from a human donor, which is sterilized and processed to ensure its safety. They are widely available and effective in helping new bone form in the grafting site without the need for an additional surgical site. 
• Xenografts: Xenografts involve using bone from an animal source, usually bovines. The material is sterilized and processed to make it safe for use in humans. Xenografts are readily available and can be used in large quantities but may sometimes take longer to integrate with the bone. 
• Alloplasts: Alloplasts involve the use of synthetic bone grafting materials created from biocompatible substances such as calcium phosphate or bioactive glass that mimic the properties of natural bone and stimulate bone growth. Alloplasts carry no risk of immune response or disease transmission. 

What Is the Bone Grafting Procedure?

Your bone grafting process will begin with a consultation with Dr. Blackmon, who will evaluate your unique needs and help you determine the best course of action to restore your smile. Our experienced prosthodontist always recommends the most conservative solutions to restore your smile’s health and function. 

Placing a bone graft is a simple surgical procedure performed under local anesthetics. Dr. Blackmon will place your grafting material to stimulate bone growth and rebuild the bone in the area. Following the procedure, Dr. Blackmon will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing and prepare you for the next steps in your smile restoration journey.

Why Choose a Prosthodontist for Your Bone Graft Needs?

Prosthodontists are specialists with at least three years of rigorous training and education after completing dental school. They are the “real” tooth restoration experts with an extensive understanding of the intricacies of replacing, restoring, or rebuilding deficient or lost teeth. Prosthodontists use the latest dental technology and have the skill, experience, and expertise to restore the optimal function and aesthetics of your smile. 

Bone Grafts Near Me in Ponte Vedra, FL

If you need a bone graft, you’re in excellent hands. Dr. Blackmon and his team at Guided Smiles Prosthodontics & Implant Center are dedicated to ensuring you are comfortable while receiving top-tier care. You can always count on us for a patient experience that exceeds your expectations. Call us at 904-395-5501 or schedule an appointment online today!